ADHD in adults in Ireland is becoming more of an area of interests to clinicians and lay people alike. In Ireland things have progressed a long way in the past 15 years in the recognition and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. However adult ADHD remains lagging behind in both recognition and treatment.

The symptoms of ADHD in adults are largely like the symptoms in children and teens except that the high levels of activity are not often present. Adults with ADHD manifest their hyperactivity in subtle ways: they are restless and alwasy on the go; they are more figity than other adults; they can’t stay at home on their day off and have to be going somewhere or doing something; they often shop impulsively and run into money difficulties as a result.

Relationships suffer when an adult has ADHD. They can be short tempered or jump to conclusions. They find it hard to focus on conversations, especially in social settings when many people may be talking at once. They can be quite disorganised and housework often suffers. Managing money can be quite a problem.

Diagnosis and assessment of ADHD in adults is usually not complicated. With the arrival of new rating forms and good interview techniques it is now possible to diagnose the condition quickly and create a reasonable treatment plan. Treatment can take the form of directive and supportive counselling, not unlike life coaching, or can involve medical management in the form of medication.

Becuase their is often depression and anxiety associated with adult ADHD a thorough assessment by a skilled clinician is necessary.